Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Teaching Function-Based Assessment And Intervention Skills To Behavior Support Staff Using An Interactive Computer Training, Megan E. Graul

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Behavior support staff (BSS), including paraprofessionals, behavior technicians, and other entry-level school staff that support students with challenging behavior, play an essential role in public education settings, especially in special education classrooms. With the increasing number of students requiring intensive behavioral supports, it is imperative to identify cost-efficient strategies to provide adequate training to expand the behavioral skills of these individuals. For instance, training BSS to implement empirically supported behavioral strategies, such as functional behavior assessment and function-based intervention selection, may have benefits for both staff and students alike. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to develop an interactive …

Transitional Periods Of Individuals With Autism: A Parental Perspective On Services, Kennedy Rogers

Senior Theses and Projects

This study looks at the experiences and perceptions of parents with children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aged eighteen or older and have experienced a significant transition out of high school. By using a qualitative method of interviews and analysis, as well as two rounds of coding, I explored the nature of program options as well as the challenges of the individuals with Autism during this time of their life. This study looked at the challenges in the transition as well as some potential insights to helping ease the challenges.

Eds 702: The Young Child With Special Needs, Lingyu Li

Open Educational Resources

This introductory course addresses the concept of disability and the field of special education. It will also consider the social, cultural, and economic context surrounding the education of young children (birth to 8 years) with a wide range of developmental delays and disability conditions. Pertinent legislation, intervention with families, developing Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and issues of advocacy will be studied within the context of the continuum of service delivery (home-based, center-based, and school-based interventions). (15 fieldwork hours required.)

Special Education Teacher Preparation In Saudi Arabia: Qualitative Interview Design, Salman Almughyiri

The Qualitative Report

This study explored preservice special education teachers’ perceptions regarding special education teacher preparation courses, practicum, and evidence-based practices they recently completed. The participants of the study included five preservice special education teachers from two universities, Shaqra University and King Saud University, in Riyadh. A variety of qualitative interview designs, such as semi-structured interviews and in-depth interviews were employed to gather the data. This involved conducting a total of 15 interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Additionally, peer debriefing and member checks were used to increase the credibility of the study and help prevent personal bias. The study …

Understanding Unique Employability Skill Sets Of Autistic Individuals: A Systematic Review, Amy Jane Griffiths, Rachel Torres, Raquel Delgado, Amy E. Hurley-Hanson, Cristina M. Giannantonio, Wallace Walrod, Zachary Maupin, John Brady

Education Faculty Articles and Research

In recent years, several publications and media outlets have highlighted how the skills and interests of autistic individuals may benefit organizations. However, there is scant empirical research on the topic. The present study's authors conducted a systematic review to find which potential employability skills, strengths, and interests of autistic individuals available research has highlighted. Data extraction methods identified 51 papers related to skills in this population. The skill sets autistic individuals may possess and the research behind these findings were organized, evaluated, and summarized. Based on these findings, investigators discuss implications for employment counseling and future research.

Students’ Perceptions Of Crisis Intervention: Using A Trauma Informed Approach Versus Restraint, Mary Triana, Eric Bieniek

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

This presentation reviews first-of-its-kind research that directly interviewed students who have experienced both restraint and a restraint-free trauma-informed approach during crisis. It will review the results of these interviews including students’ understanding of interventions, relationships with staff, and recommendations for schools.

The Real Experts: Understanding Autism And Adhd Through The Lens Of The Individual, Mary Little

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

This presentation aims to spark intentional conversation and change geared towards shattering stigmas around the autistic and ADHD experience. Attendees will enhance their understanding of neuro-divergent populations in order to modify environments and provide interventions aligning with trauma informed care and inclusion. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to embrace the power of self disclosure and mentorship.

Teaching Students About Trauma, Stress And Brain Regulation, Kathy J. Van Horn

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

All students are impacted by stress and can benefit by understanding their brains, their stress response, and strategies for regulation. This presentation will provide practical principles and ideas for teaching students strategies and skills for physical, emotional, and cortical regulation.

Mindfulness: The Missing Link In Education, Ashley L. Baer

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

Were you asked to pay attention or behave in school? As educators, we must stop expecting focus and self-regulation, and instead we must teach it. Learn how in this experiential session to connect and regulate students using the breathing ball, games, breath, and movement. Let’s practice!

The Power Of Team Sports And One Caring Adult, Don Poole

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

When team sports are combined with one adult(Synergy) you can give a child a "Why". Also when you committ to not use limiting beliefs or make judgements about a child's future the sky is the limit. Using the Goldfish principles amazing outcomes will happen!

Humor And School Culture In Special Education Schools, Saied Hussein Bishara

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Recently there have been discussions about the importance of incorporating humor, particularly in subjects such as mathematics, languages and more. The aim of integrating humor into the educational context stems from the need to mitigate the learning atmosphere that is seen as serious and boring, especially in special education schools. Therefore, the aim of the current research is to study the relationship between the integration of humor in teaching and learning and school culture in special education schools. Humor can have a positive impact on the school, as it stimulates students' interest and memory, and leads to interaction based on …

Inclusive Settings In Belizean Primary Schools: A Focus On Teacher Practices, Katherine A. Curry, Jentre Olsen, Ed Harris, Candy Garnett, Dian Danderson

Journal of Global Education and Research

Educators in Belize are charged with ensuring that all Belizeans are given an opportunity to acquire a quality education that promotes personal development and productive citizenship. Consequently, Belizean law now requires all children from ages five through fourteen to attend at least eight years of primary school. Students with special needs have historically not received accommodations in the education system, so many teachers struggle with meeting the needs of students with learning disabilities in these inclusive settings. This qualitative case study explored teaching strategies and contextual factors in inclusive primary classrooms in Belize and was conducted in the form of …

Alternative Education Center Teachers' Experiences With Identifying Dyslexia Characteristics In Students: A Phenomenology, Natasha P. Peoples

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explore the experiences of 10 participants teaching at a North Texas alternative education center, focusing on identifying dyslexia characteristics. The research is grounded in self-efficacy theory and phonological deficit theory, which both contribute to understanding lifelong effects of reading difficulties, particularly dyslexia. Self-efficacy theory emphasizes task-specific beliefs, while phonological deficit theory underscores the importance of accurate letter sound representation for a strong alphabetic foundation. Employing a phenomenological approach, the study gathers participants' perceptions, employing a triangulation method for data collection through interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis. Data analysis followed Moustakas' modification of the Van Kaam method to …

Goal Attainment And Quality Of Life Through Inclusive College, Kate Strater, Mia Kurkechian, Kassandra Weber

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

With growing opportunity for students with intellectual and developmental disability to access a variety of inclusive higher education programs comes an increased need for program implementers to evaluate practices and outcomes alongside participants. This mixed method, exploratory study examines self-determined goal setting, goal attainment, and quality of life within an inclusive college program as a measure of participant outcome and program evaluation. Furthermore, it provides implications for the importance of self-determined learning and participant voice within program planning, revision, and implementation.1

Identifying Critical Employability Skills For Employment Success Of Autistic Individuals: A Content Analysis Of Job Postings, Amy Jane Griffiths, Amy E. Hurley-Hanson, Cristina M. Giannantonio, Angel Miles Nash, Wallace Walrod, Petersen Walrod, Rachel Torres, Raquel Delgado

Education Faculty Articles and Research

This study aimed to examine the literature on the skill sets of autistic individuals and determine how these skills align with current and projected future labour market needs. Based on a literature review, researchers identified the following skill categories common to autistic individuals: visual skills, attention to detail and systemizing composite skills. Researchers then gathered aggregated data on occupations and industries from over 90 state and federal sources in the United States. Next, they collected data on the most in-demand jobs, their industries and relevant skills by analysing hundreds of millions of online job postings. The results indicate the most …

Self- Determination And Student- Led Ieps, Elizabeth R. Clarke

Empowering Educators Conference

In this session, Dr. Clarke and her student, a high school senior, will analyze and instruct educational professionals about self-determination. She will explain how to give students a voice in their IEP and their educational plans, as well as the subsequent effects: boosting motivation, independence and academic success.

Solving Word Problems With Rads: Read, Ask Questions, Draw And Solve, Tolulope Sulaimon, Sheila Alber-Morgan, Moira Konrad

Constellations: Online STEM Teacher Education Journal

Addressing the inherent complexity of word problem solving (WPS) in mathematics education requires a multifaceted approach. While recent research has predominantly emphasized problem representation, the often-overlooked process of problem comprehension is equally crucial. One promising strategy is the integration of self-questioning from a schema perspective, which empowers students to activate their prior knowledge, enhance comprehension, and construct meaningful problem representations. Additionally, the RADS (Read, Ask Questions, Draw, and Solve) framework provides a structured and systematic approach to WPS, combining schema-based instruction and self-questioning to equip students with a comprehensive problem-solving toolkit. By integrating self-questioning into RADS, educators can guide students …

A Mixed Method Study Of Teachers' Perception Of Positive Reinforcement For Behavior Management, Maricela B. Aceves Ed.D., Debra L. Cote Ph.D., Sue Singh Ph.D., Ayako Shweikle Ph.D., Shannon L. Sparks Ph.D.

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

Abstract

Positive reinforcement is a behavior management technique supported by empirical evidence, known to enhance student performance and their outcomes (Alberto et al., 2022; Fabiano & Pelham, 2003; Scheuermann, 2022). However, many teachers encounter difficulties in effectively implementing this tool in their everyday classroom teaching practices. This mixed methods study aimed to contribute to existing literature focusing on instructional behavior of credentialed teachers. The findings revealed that teachers who received training in PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) observed the following: (1) the overall benefits of rewarding appropriate student behavior with activities, (2) the significance of having adequate resources and …

Community Of Inquiry: Designing Quality Online Instruction For Special Educator Preparation, Haidee Jackson, Sohyun Yang

Advanced Education Programs Faculty Publications

Online education programs are on the rise and institutions of higher learning are utilizing Learning Management Systems (LMS) to facilitate online learning. The Community of Inquiry (CoI; Garrison et al., 1999) framework identifies three categories of cognitive presence, social presence, and teaching presence to guide the development of online instruction and has been adopted by numerous institutions of higher learning. This article identifies instructional strategies conducive to the design of online presence using the CoI framework to ensure quality learning experiences in online special educator preparation programs. We address some of the features of LMS system tools present in Canvas …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Factors That Contribute To Persistence In Online Doctoral Programs For Students With Learning Disabilities Or Adhd, Jerry L. Pitts

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to discover the factors that contributed to persistence in online doctoral programs for students with learning disabilities (LD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The theory guiding this study was Tinto’s theory of student persistence, as it suggested the more students were academically and socially integrated into their institution, the more likely they were to persist in their studies. The Central research question of this study is, “What are the factors that contribute to persistence in online doctoral programs for students with LD and ADHD?” Participants in this study consisted of seven …